Hunters Eagerly Await Start of Firearms Season

The regular firearms deer hunting season opens November 8 in New Hampshire, a big day for the state's 58,000+ hunters.

The firearms deer season runs through December 3 in most of the state. In the northernmost Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A, it closes November 26.

Hunters should check the New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest for WMU-specific regulations. This go-to publication is available online at www.huntnh.com/hunting/publications.html or at license agents around the state. You’ll find lots more information about deer hunting in New Hampshire on the Fish and Game website at www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer.html.

Hunters are reminded to NOT USE urine-based lures. These products can potentially spread Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurological disorder that is always fatal to white-tailed deer and moose. Synthetic lures are strongly recommended. If the bottle or package does not say "synthetic," the product is most likely natural urine. Do your part and keep our deer herd safe. Learn more at www.huntnh.com/wildlife/cwd.

For the latest harvest numbers on this year’s deer season to date, visit www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-harvest.html. The archery deer season began September 15, and the muzzleloader season runs October 28 to November 7, 2017.

Deer must be registered at the closest open registration station within 24 hours of harvest. A list of New Hampshire deer check stations, with contact information is available at www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-check-stations.html (also includes a list of potential "bio-check" station information). During the first two days of the muzzleloader season and three of the first four days of the firearms season, Fish and Game biologists are stationed at several of the busier registration stations around the state to collect more detailed biological data on the state’s deer herd. Data collected at these biological check stations include body weights, antler measurements, reproductive measurements, and age estimates based on tooth wear. Such data is critical to help track the health of the state's deer population.

View a short video about what goes on at a deer bio-check station at: www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-check-stations.html.

Hunting licenses can be purchased online at www.huntnh.com, from license agents statewide, or at the Fish and Game Department in Concord. Hunters age 15 and younger do not need a license, but do require permits for some species, such as turkey and bear, and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult who is at least 18 years of age.

If you haven’t taken the mandatory Hunter Education course but still want to get in on the season, check out the New Hampshire Apprentice Hunting License, which allows people to hunt under the guidance of an experienced hunter age 18 or older without first taking Hunter Education. This license is a great way to introduce a friend or family member to hunting. It must be purchased at Fish and Game headquarters. Learn more at www.huntnh.com/hunting/apprentice.html.

The public is encouraged to participate in protecting New Hampshire's wildlife resources by reporting wildlife crime. You can report violations to Fish and Game's Operation Game Thief online anytime at www.wildnh.com/ogt, or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-344-4262.

Hunters with full freezers are reminded that the New Hampshire Food Bank is seeking donations of whole or processed deer. This venison provides a valuable source of meat for food programs around the state. For more information, call (603) 669-9725, extension 240, or visit www.nhfoodbank.org.

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